Active Communities

9th Jan 2012 - 30th Dec 2014

Active Communities is a Sport Northern Ireland funded programme that will increase participation in sport and physical activity by increasing the number of full-time and part-time coaches working with schools, clubs and community groups in the region. In particular it will aim to increase participation amongst under represented groups including females, people with a disability and older people.
The programme will be rolled out to schools, community groups, clubs and organisations through Omagh & Fermanagh District Council areas. The programme allows Omagh and Fermanagh District Councils to work in partnership not only with each other but with Governing bodies of sport, community groups, Education authorities and a range of organisations in order to meet the objectives of the programme.
The programme has employed 6 full time coaches and 1 part time coach, based in both Council areas, these posts will provide opportunities for participation in a diverse range of sports and activities. In particular, it will create opportunities for under represented groups to take part including older people, women and girls and people with a disability.
The coaching remits include Athletics, Outdoor Sports, Rugby, Basketball, Gaelic Games, Multi-Skills, Sport disability coaching and Physical Activity coaching.

On Wednesday 14th December the official launch of the Active Communities programme for the Omagh and Fermanagh Consortia was launched. Special guests included the Chairmen and Councillors form Omagh and Fermanagh District Councils, Sport NI representatives and various representations from, Tyrone GAA, Ulster Rugby, Basketball NI, NI Athletics, Disability Sport NI (ADD IN)

The launch was attended by Councillor Declan McAleer who said "I am very excited about the opportunities that the Active Communities Programme can offer throughout the Omagh and Fermanagh Districts. I’m sure that I speak for both Councils in saying that we value the contribution that the Active Communities Programme will make as part of the ongoing commitment to improving physical activity provision for all of the local community across Omagh and Fermanagh."
He went on to say "Coaching has played a huge part in building the base of voluntary sport in the Omagh and Fermanagh areas. I would like to congratulate the coaches on their appointment and wish them every success with the delivery of the programme."

Along with Fermanagh District Council’s Chairman Cllr. Thomas O' Reilly
"Fermanagh District Council are delighted to be a partner in the Active Communities programme, I wish the programme every success and I hope that together all organisations involved in this initiative can help build the pathways which will lead participants along the road to lifelong participation in sport and physical activity."
Brian Mc Cargo Sport NI commented: "Active Communities is a programme that has been designed to support increased participation in sport and physical recreation. As Sport Northern Ireland is the lead agency for the development of Sport in Northern Ireland, this programme fits well into our overall strategy. The creation of full time employment such as the posts in the Omagh and Fermanagh Consortia is crucial for the economy, while what they deliver will be vital to the overall health of the community."
He added: "Sport Northern Ireland is delighted to work in partnership with the Omagh and Fermanagh Consortia to develop and deliver Active Communities over the next 4 years.’

To request a coach to go to your facility please contact Billie-Jo Irwin, Active Communities Project & Monitoring Officer on (028) 82246711 or via email billie-jo.irwin@omagh.gov.uk

Click here to view the interviews from the Launch Day